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Gospel Music Stars Come Together for Benefit Concert to Support Hurricane Victims in North Carolina

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Amy Turner

A group of gospel music’s most iconic performers is joining forces for a special benefit concert aimed at raising funds for hurricane recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. The event, set to take place on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Hopewell Baptist Church in Monroe, NC, will bring together some of the genre’s biggest names, all volunteering their time and talents to aid those affected by the recent natural disasters.

The benefit concert will feature performances from gospel music’s beloved family, The Hoppers, the legendary Kingsmen Quartet, and The Inspirations, fan favorites from the Gospel Music Fan Awards. Other performers include The Littles, a family ensemble known for their harmonious sound, and Band of Brothers, along with some surprise guests expected to make an appearance throughout the night.

Proceeds from the concert will go to Hearts With Hands, a Christian humanitarian nonprofit based in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Founded by Ralph Sexton, the organization provides critical relief to communities in crisis, with a current focus on helping those in Western North Carolina recover from recent hurricanes.

The concert is also supported by the leadership of Hopewell Baptist Church in Monroe, which has generously opened its doors for the event. The collaboration between the artists and the church underscores the power of community and faith in times of hardship.

This event is set to be a remarkable show of solidarity from the gospel music world, as they come together to support those rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the devastating storms.

The Perrys’ Journey with ‘Long, Long Road’ Album

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SPECIAL: STOWTOWN RECORDS

Nashville, TN – Over the past five decades, it’s safe to say The Perrys have enjoyed quite an amazing journey. Their walk has been filled with many mountaintop experiences, as well as difficult valleys. The path hasn’t always been easy, but charter member Libbi Perry Stuffle and The Perrys are evidence that, along the journey, we make discoveries about ourselves and experience God’s faithfulness on the long, long road. 

Their brand new Stowtown Records release, Long, Long Road, is a testament of God’s goodness and takes listeners to a place of inspiration and encouragement. The recording reunites Libbi, her son Jared and talented vocalists Jason Gordon and Dayton Gay with producer and longtime friend Wayne Haun. It is a powerful collection of songs that will challenge and uplift listeners who have been longtime fans, as well as attract new listeners who have never experienced the unmistakable sound that has made the iconic group so popular for over half a century.

Riding high on the success of the group’s current Top 10 hit, “Warmin’ Up,” StowTown plans to release at least three radio singles from this brand-new recording, promising even more radio success in the coming months.

Producer and StowTown Records Executive Wayne Haun shared his excitement about the new release, “This album is classic Perrys! It has absolutely everything you could want in a Perrys recording, from reimagined classics to traditional convention sounds. Add in some fresh new material and, as always, it all fits perfectly and is performed brilliantly.”


One special cut from the recording that will no doubt be embraced by radio upon its release is the remake of the upbeat “You Can’t Hurry God.” From legendary songwriter Dorothy Love Coates, who penned such classics as “I’m Sealed” and “Get Away Jordan,” this particular cut is an appropriate reminder of God’s perfect timing.

The moving ballad, “Jesus Is,” is a simple message of the ever-present, perfect love of Jesus, regardless of any situation. Another message of the love of God and His unwavering faithfulness can be found in the progressive, yet powerful “A Million Reasons.” Prolific writer Jeff Bumgardner united with Joey and Kristi Stroud to create this beautifully written expression of God’s abundant grace. 

This latest recording effort is yet another reminder from Libbi and The Perrys of the victory that can only be found by trusting in the faithfulness of a Father who is always directing our path, through the twists and turns on the long, long road. Libbi expressed her joy about the new recording, “Long, Long Road is a very fitting title with this being our 54th year since we began on our journey on Christmas Day in 1970, when we gathered around the family piano and sang our very first song after the tragic loss of our oldest brother that previous July. We’ve seen a lot of hard days, but God has remained faithful to the calling He placed on our lives. For every valley, there has always been a mountaintop! For every tear that has been shed, there has always been a smile and some laughter. This album is filled with songs that have fit every phase in our lives. There are even songs of rejoicing about when we finally reach that hallelujah meeting at the end of this long, long road! We are too close to our Heavenly Home to stop now.” She continued with a beloved scripture passage, Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭14‬, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Distributed exclusively by Provident/Sony, Long, Long Road is available on all digital platforms worldwide. Stream the full project here.

Track List:

Long, Long Road
A Million Reasons
Maybe When the Sun Comes Up
Hallelujah Meetin’
Jesus Is
That Kind of Faith 
You Can’t Hurry God
He Never Gave Up on Me
The Night I Walked the Aisle 
By the Blood

Links:
https://perrysministries.com
https://facebook.com/ThePerrys70/
https://instagram.com/theperrys70/
https://youtube.com/theperrys9801

ABOUT THE PERRYS
The Perrys have a rich history spanning over five decades, proving to be a faithful force in Southern Gospel music. In keeping with the tradition of presenting quality music, The Perrys consistently perform songs which speak to hearts and change lives. While their focus is ministry, the quality of their numerous number 1 songs is continuously confirmed by radio airplay. They have been honored by industry peers and fans alike, having received multiple award nominations and wins over the years, including GMA Dove Award® for Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for “Celebrate Me Home” and multiple Singing News Fan Awards for Mixed Quartet of the Year. Founding member Libbi Perry Stuffle, whose matchless voice with velvety alto tones has been the nucleus of the group since its inception, has also been individually honored by fans, winning the Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Alto of the Year eight times and Favorite Female Vocalist of the Year twice. With appearances on the Gaither Homecoming Series, at Dollywood and Silver Dollar City, in addition to various churches and festivals, The Perrys keep a full touring schedule year after year. Their passion for encouraging others for Christ will carry them through many decades to come.  

Can Mankind Save Itself Without God?

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

The question, “Is mankind capable of saving itself, or does it need God’s intervention?” has echoed across the ages, and today it still rages as strongly as ever. Throughout history, people have attempted to build their own systems—whether in the form of philosophies, idols, or self-made towers of Babel. Many continue to believe they can navigate life without God’s help.

They may find success in business, politics or achieve social standing. Yet, beneath all these external accomplishments lies a deeper truth: there is a void within every person that only Jesus Christ can fill. The most astonishing fact is that the almighty God of the universe desires to dwell within your heart, regardless of who you are.

“…to whom God willed to make known what the wealth of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles is, the mystery that is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” – Colossians 1:27 (NASB)

The Guardians’ Transition: Paul Lancaster Takes the Tenor Torch

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JEFF TURNER

When Dean Hickman, the first tenor and founding member of The Guardians, began experiencing health issues a couple of years ago, he made the difficult decision to step back from touring. After decades of performing, Hickman knew it was time to pass the torch. In his place, the group welcomed Paul Lancaster, a fan favorite, to carry on the tenor legacy.

Paul Lancaster has spoken highly of Dean Hickman’s distinctive sound and the challenge of stepping into such a significant role. “He was not your normal tenor,” Lancaster reflects. “He was the kind I liked though, you know, the smooth and classic kind of in that Jim Murray, you know, kind of feel. I grew up being a big fan of [that], and so it was some big shoes to fill, but I tried to come in and not be a hero but just kind of fall in, and it’s been great.”

Hickman’s tenure as first tenor has spanned over 60 years, a testament to his dedication and talent. While he may no longer be on the road, his voice continues to resonate with listeners, particularly on The Guardians’ newest release, Another Life to Give, where he is featured.

Lancaster’s transition into the role has been seamless, honoring Hickman’s legacy while bringing his own touch to the group’s sound. For The Guardians, the road ahead remains bright, even as they cherish the contributions of their founding member.

Exploring Second Chances in The Guardians’ Latest Gospel Song

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JEFF TURNER

The Southern Gospel group The Guardians has long been a beacon in gospel music, known for their harmonious blend and inspiring messages. Comprised of John Darin Rowsey, Pat Barker, Scott Mullins, and Paul Lancaster, the group has captivated audiences with heartfelt lyrics and harmonies that reach beyond the stage, touching lives with a message of faith and hope. They are no strangers to the power of gospel music, using it to uplift listeners and spark conversations on spirituality.

Their latest release, Another Life to Give, is a personal and spiritual project that revisits a song written by John Darin Rowsey nearly 40 years ago. This song has held a unique place in the heart of Dean Hickman, a founding member of The Guardians and their first tenor. As Dean recalls, it’s a song that he connected with deeply since they first recorded it with the legendary Larry Goss.

First tenor and founding member, Dean Hickman (The Guardians Website)

“John wrote that maybe 40 years ago, it’s been one of my favorite, the first song we ever recorded with Larry Goss,” Hickman shared. The song’s message, which reflects on what one might do with a second chance in life, resonates deeply with both Dean and fans of The Guardians. “If I had another life to give,” he mused, “you know, when I mess it up, when I do something better, when I be a better soul winner, what would I do?”

Dean’s reflections on the song delve into a common but complex thought—what it might mean to have another chance to live out one’s faith more fully or to take a different path. He shared the uncertainty that accompanies such reflections, saying, “sometimes that’s a scary thought, because would we go down this tree of life and make turns that we think are better and they’re not.”

This theme of renewal and second chances speaks to the heart of the gospel message, reminding listeners of the opportunity to grow and deepen their faith every day. For Hickman, this song’s reflection on whether he could “do it better and…be a greater somewhere for God” if given another life speaks to the universal desire to leave a meaningful legacy.

Another Life to Give is much more than a song for The Guardians; it’s an invitation to consider how each of us can use our lives to make a difference, drawing closer to a purpose that aligns with the gospel. The Guardians’ music continues to reach souls and inspire new reflections on life’s purpose, making this song an especially poignant addition to their enduring legacy in Southern Gospel music.